Jorginho has named Mateo Kovacic as one of the best footballers that he played with during his time at Chelsea.
Jorginho lined up alongside Kovacic in midfield, and together they helped Thomas Tuchel’s side to win the Champions League in 2021.
That year, Jorginho was named in the FIFPRO World XI, a feat Cole Palmer has managed to achieve in 2025.
However, there was no room for Kovacic, a player Jorginho rates very highly.
Chelsea duo Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho holding UEFA Super Cup
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Jorginho chooses Eden Hazard, Willian and Mateo Kovacic
Jorginho was recently asked to name the three best footballers that he has played with at Chelsea and included Kovacic.
The other two were Eden Hazard, which is not much of a surprise, and Willian.
The former may just be the most talented player to have ever worn a Chelsea shirt. As well as Jorginho, Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is another person who rates Hazard, stating that he would pay money to watch the Belgian.
Of course, by choosing Hazard, Willian and Kovacic, it means Jorginho has snubbed the incredible N’Golo Kante.
Now that is likely to surprise Chelsea supporters, especially with the 33-year-old choosing Kovacic.
Chelsea's Ngolo Kante during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
N’Golo Kante a much better midfielder than Mateo Kovacic
Kovacic is not a bad footballer. The Croatian can do a lot on the ball, excelling at carrying it and weaving himself out of the opposition’s press.
However, in Chelsea’s team, he was never as dominant as Kante, who imposed himself on every game with his strong tackling.
His highest average for tackles per match in a Premier League season at Chelsea was an impressive 3.3, according to WhoScored.
All in all, Kante was way more influential on the Stamford Bridge pitch than Kovacic, which Jorginho seems to have overlooked.
They are both terrific midfielders and were great servants for Chelsea, but Kante was superior. Jorginho snubbing him is quite peculiar to say the least, but maybe he just really enjoyed playing alongside the Manchester City man.